Man on trial for death of starving boy sentenced to prison

BROWNSVILLE, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — A Willacy County man was sentenced Wednesday morning for the death of 13-year-old Jesse Harrison.

On Tuesday, a jury found Ruben Gonzalez guilty of criminal negligent homicide and injury to a child in connection to Harrison’s death.

The jury returned Wednesday morning, where they deliberated for two hours to decide Gonzalez’s punishment.

For count one, criminal negligent homicide, he was sentenced to two years.

For count two, injury to a child, he was sentenced to 30 years.

The judge clarified that these two sentencings will run concurrently and that Ruben will receive credit for his time already served.

Ruben did not show emotion as the sentencing was read. Shortly after he began mumbling to himself and shaking his head.

Before sentencing, both the State and the defense pleaded their case. Prosecutors asked the jury if they were going to think about how many days Harrison was left hungry, or the number of years he was not going to be able to live.

The defense reiterated their point that the bulk of the punishment should fall on Harrison’s mother, Sabrina Loredo.

After the jury returned with the verdict, which found him guilty on the two previously mentioned counts, and not guilty on three additional counts of injury to a child, Ruben withdrew his request for probation.

After Judge Cordova imposed Ruben’s sentence, the court heard two victim impact statements.

The first was from Harrison’s younger brother, who said he suffered depression after his brother’s death and time will not change how he feels.

“Days will pass and turn into years, but I will forever remember you with silent tears,” he said.

Harrison’s grandfather took a moment to address Ruben in his statement.

“I believe you deserve everything that is coming to you,” he said.

As Harrison’s grandfather walked away following his statement, Ruben appeared to smirk.

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